Sources say the charter of the 3,400-cbm semi-refrigerated vessel Gas Ice (built 1991) has been extended by Ineos for another year from this month. The 24-year-old ship is believed to be earning $230,000 per month under the new charter.

The Harry Vafias-controlled company, which has a newbuilding programme of 17 ships, has a number of 1990s-built LPG carriers in its fleet but is thought to be continuing to trade them, as long as they can be fixed, or unless a buyer makes a good offer.